Artistically, and in fact, Celine is speaking Jackson’s language

By John Katsilometes

Wednesday, March 9, 2011 | 5:12 p.m.

If not for Michael Jackson, Celine Dion might still be speaking French and French alone.

But it was while watching Jackson on TV when she was a young girl that Dion was inspired to speak and sing in English. Dion has related that story during live rehearsals of her return to the stage at the Colosseum at Caesars Palace. (During an appearance on "Oprah" last month, Dion told the talk-show host that she would pay tribute to Jackson and also revealed the seven costume changes planned for the show.")

As reported by audience members who have seen this process, Dion has showcased a medley of Jackson songs during these working-out-the-kinks performances. A trio of cellists have performed an overture of sorts, playing bits of “Smooth Criminal,” “Billie Jean” and “Thriller.” Dion has sung “Man in the Mirror” and “Just Can’t Stop Loving You.”

She also said that Jackson mesmerized her one night as he sat near the Colosseum stage for her “A New Day …” production. She pointed out the seat occupied by Jackson and told the audience, “All I could do was stare at him the whole show.” A spotlight was trained on that seat, and Dion added, “He left this Earth too soon.”

Dion’s run officially begins Tuesday night. Tickets are $55, $95, $140, $175 and $250, not including taxes and fees (go to Ticketmaster.com for information. Dion is performing 70 shows a year for three years. The first set of 20 runs from Tuesday through April 17.

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